social outcasts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social outcasts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who are rejected or excluded from a social group or society. Example: "The novel explores the lives of social outcasts and their struggles to find acceptance in a judgmental world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oscar Wilde's tales of social outcasts owe much to him.

Independent

"Nothing else captures the 'otherness' of social outcasts as powerfully".

The New York Times

The women were shown little compassion and generally shunned as social outcasts.

The Economist

Articles like this make people living with HIV feel like social outcasts.

Independent

Enzo and Mary, social outcasts now approaching late middle age, belong to that anonymous underclass.

The New York Times

His fellow Social Outcasts goaded the rapper into coming into the ring.

Independent

Clearly, if human social outcasts can be rehabilitated, so can sea otters.

The New York Times - Science

Perfect: an American Toulouse-Lautrec, an outsider among female social outcasts.

The New York Times - Arts

"Advertisers don't want to have their brands associated with wrongdoers and social outcasts".

The New York Times - Arts

25 years ago people with disabilities were seen as social outcasts.

The Guardian

On comes Wednesday, leading a band of social outcasts – but soon her fake smile fades.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "social outcasts", provide specific details about the reasons for their marginalization to add depth and nuance to your analysis. This helps avoid generalizations and promotes a better understanding of their experiences.

Common error

Do not assume that all "social outcasts" share the same experiences or face the same challenges. Recognize and address the diversity within this group, considering factors such as race, class, gender, and ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social outcasts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying individuals or groups excluded from mainstream society. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in various contexts, often as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting those who are marginalized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social outcasts" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe individuals or groups excluded from mainstream society. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wikis. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can evoke empathy or highlight social injustice, making it crucial to use with sensitivity and precision. When writing about this topic, remember to avoid generalizations and acknowledge the diversity within this group. Consider using synonyms like "marginalized individuals" or "excluded populations" for greater specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected members of society

Emphasizes the act of rejection by the wider community.

excluded populations

Focuses directly on the act of exclusion and the group that is affected.

marginalized individuals

Focuses on the process of being pushed to the edge of society, rather than the state of being an outcast.

disenfranchised groups

Highlights the denial of rights and privileges, emphasizing a political or legal dimension of exclusion.

pariahs

Implies a stronger degree of ostracism and stigma than "social outcasts".

social deviants

Highlights behavior that violates social norms, which can lead to being a "social outcast".

misfits

Suggests a lack of conformity or compatibility with social norms, often with a less severe connotation than "social outcasts".

isolated individuals

Emphasizes the lack of social connection, which may or may not be due to active rejection.

underdogs

Highlights a position of disadvantage and a struggle against more powerful forces.

nonconformists

Focuses on a deliberate choice to deviate from societal norms, rather than forced exclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "social outcasts" in a sentence?

You can use "social outcasts" to describe groups or individuals marginalized by society. For example: "The novel explores the struggles of "social outcasts" in a prejudiced community."

What's a synonym for "social outcasts"?

Synonyms include "marginalized individuals", "disenfranchised groups", or "rejected members of society", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use the term "social outcasts" in academic writing?

Yes, "social outcasts" is appropriate, but consider more precise terms like "marginalized populations" or "excluded groups" for greater specificity depending on the context.

What factors can contribute to someone becoming a "social outcast"?

Factors can include poverty, disability, mental illness, addiction, unconventional beliefs, or belonging to a stigmatized group. These factors often lead to discrimination and exclusion.